Naturalist going on an herb walk




LONGTIME EDUCATOR—Lanny Kaufer points out an item of interest during a hike in the area mountains.

LONGTIME EDUCATOR—Lanny Kaufer points out an item of interest during a hike in the area mountains.

Ojai herbalist, naturalist and outdoor educator Lanny Kaufer will present his first Herb Walk in the Los Angeles area after 35 years of leading the walks in the Ojai Valley.

The Stunt High Trail Herb Walk will be from 9 a.m. to noon Sat., June 16 on the Stunt High Trail in the Calabasas Hills of the Santa Monica Mountains.

To reach the Stunt High Trail, from Highway 101 take the Las Virgenes exit south to Mulholland Drive and east to Stunt Road; from PCH take Malibu Canyon Road.

It will be an easy walk, mostly under the oaks along Cold Creek with several minor creek crossings.

Participants will learn to identify native and naturalized herbs and discover their uses for food, medicine, home remedies, survival, crafts, camping and ceremony. Information will be shared on the ecological value of native plants, sustainable use of natural resources and other aspects of natural history.

Kaufer has been leading interpretive native plant walks in Ventura County since 1976. He is regarded as an expert on the edible and medicinal uses of local indigenous and naturalized plants.

Kaufer acquired much of his knowledge in field study with herbalists and ethnobotanists. He studied with the late William LeSassier and has co-led workshops and expeditions with herbalists such as the late Chumash plant expert Juanita Centeno, the late Michael Moore, Michael Tierra, Amanda McQuade Crawford, Dr. Fred Siciliano and Chumash educator Julie Tumamait.

Kaufer graduated from UC Santa Cruz in 1974 with a degree in biology. In school he did independent study in naturopathic medicine and worked in the university’s arboretum.

The cost for the walk is $25 for adults and $15 for full-time students and seniors over 62. Children ages 5 to 12 can attend free, one per adult. Dogs are not allowed. Advance registration is recommended. Visit www.herbwalks.com or call (805) 646-6281.


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